Germany’s elections intensify as CDU leader Friedrich Merz advocates for fundamental reforms. Meanwhile, Alternative for Germany (AfD) leader Alice Weidel warns that the country may face bankruptcy as a result of Merz’s policy proposals.

Ukraine urges European Commission to expedite release of frozen Russian assets in Belgium amid Belgian resistance to using funds for reparational loan, says EU spokesperson Balazs Ujvari.

DBS and Citi executed the first cross-border USD transaction between Singapore and the US using tokenized deposits on a new blockchain ledger, SWIFT.

Two individuals connected to the case of PJSC Eurotrans Chairman Martyshev have been detained for two months, facing charges of large-scale embezzlement, according to law enforcement authorities.

Hunter Biden is set to launch his meme coin, LAPTOP, on September 8, according to the Wall Street Journal. For additional information, visit WSJ.

PIK's Board of Directors has approved the delisting of its shares. The buyback price for dissenting shareholders has been increased to 551.4 rubles per share from a previous 537.9 rubles, following a correction in the company's announcement. The updated information is available here. The general shareholders meeting is scheduled for October 13.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the U.S. is examining options for de-escalation during winter, including the potential for Ukraine and Russia to take steps toward easing hostilities and resuming negotiations for a broader peace agreement, Zelensky disclosed in an interview with Axios.

Copper prices hit record highs.

An Iranian tanker was reportedly targeted in a missile attack by the United States off the coast of Kharg Island, approximately four miles offshore, according to Tasnim News Agency.

OpenAI has announced that its new AI model has proved the existence of a singularity, solving one of the seven Millennium Problems.

The United States has launched strikes targeting locations near Kharg Island and in the Jask area, according to a FOX News report.

U.S. officials allege Iran attacked American naval vessels on Monday, though the U.S. military has yet to confirm the incident. Over the weekend, Iran reportedly launched ballistic missiles at a carrier and a guided missile destroyer, causing no damage to the ships. The recent military activity has heightened concerns over Iran's deployment of sophisticated weaponry, potentially with assistance from China or Russia. More information is available here.

The Iranian IRGC Navy has issued a warning to crews of oil tankers near Kuwaiti and Bahraini ports with U.S. presence, advising evacuation. The IRGC indicated that vessels will be targeted in retaliation for any U.S. attacks on Iranian oil tankers.

Citi Now Offers Japanese Companies Instant Cross-Border Blockchain Payments, Reports Nikkei

The White House is contemplating decreasing the roles of Witkoff and Kushner in negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv, according to a report by FT. CIA Director John Ratcliffe is set to undertake shuttle diplomacy between the two capitals.

U.S. Treasury to raise long bond purchases to $6 billion per operation from $4 billion.

Analysts highlight RATCLIFFE surpassing WITKOFF and KUSHNER in geopolitical analysis concerning Ukraine.

Please provide the news post you'd like me to re-write in The Financial Post style.

Stocks, bonds, and Bitcoin decline as yields climb despite expansion of long-term bond buyback program; Bessent still struggling to gain investor confidence.

American government bond sell-offs persist despite Treasury announcements.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vietnamese President To Lam have formally endorsed a cooperation package aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, according to RIA. The agreement includes transitioning to trade conducted in their respective national currencies and facilitating visa-free travel for Vietnamese citizens to Russia in the near future. Additionally, Vietnam seeks to expand private and charter flight operations to Russia and enhance collaboration in the oil and gas sectors. The two countries will also pursue increased investments, with a focus on energy and industrial projects.